If your benefits have been denied or you need to file an appeal, you may wonder if a workers’ compensation lawyer in Hattiesburg can help. You likely have questions and concerns about the process, but we are here to guide you through it.
Each and every workers’ compensation case is different, and the details of your injury or illness, your available coverage, and the circumstances of your case can all impact your eligibility for a claim. We may be able to take action to get you wage replacement benefits and other payments.
Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Laws Protect Injured Workers
Mississippi workers’ compensation laws apply to most employers and industries, including those that play a significant role in Hattiesburg’s economy, such as bottling, banking, retail, and manufacturing.
Many Mississippi workers can access workers’ compensation insurance coverage following a workplace injury or job-related illness. Benefits from this type of insurance policy primarily focus on covering the treatment for the injury or illness and a portion of the employee’s wages.
For a free legal consultation with a Workers’ Compensation lawyer serving Hattiesburg, call 800-537-8185
Building a Case for Appeal in Your Workers’ Compensation Denial
When a Hattiesburg workers’ compensation commission attorney takes on your workers’ compensation denial, one of the first things we can do is build a case to demonstrate that you qualify for benefits. This may include evidence that:
- Your injuries or illness occurred and are preventing you from working
- Your injuries or illness occurred at work or are work-related
- You are covered by a workers’ compensation policy held by your employer
- You cannot return to work at this time due to your injuries
We can also investigate why your insurance claim was denied or where the problem lies in securing your benefits. This may include situations where:
- Your employer did not document your accident and injuries or file the appropriate paperwork
- Your employer does not believe you suffered a work-related injury
- The insurance company does not believe your injuries are covered under the policy
- The insurance company denied your claim for another reason
Time Limit on Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Mississippi
According to the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission, there are a number of time limits and deadlines that must be met when filing your workers’ compensation claim. If you miss one of these deadlines, it may prevent you from filing a claim and receiving benefits in the future.
You only have two years to file a claim and seek workers’ compensation disability benefits. If you miss this deadline, it is unlikely that you will be able to recover benefits unless there are extenuating circumstances.
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Hattiesburg Workers’ Compensation Benefits Explained
There are generally four types of benefits that may be available to an injured worker and their family after a Hattiesburg on-the-job injury. These include:
Medical Care Coverage
Workers’ compensation insurance may cover the medical treatment and many related expenses required for your workplace injuries or illness. This may include your ambulance ride from the job site, treatment and hospitalization, rehabilitation, medications, and home health support.
Wage Replacement Benefits
Workers who suffer injuries that keep them out of work for an extended period of time may need help with everyday expenses and providing for their families. Workers’ compensation provides cash payments that may cover up to two-thirds of your average pay while out of work.
Vocational Rehabilitation
In some cases, workers suffer injuries or an illness that prevents them from working their previous job. When this occurs, you may need vocational rehabilitation to relearn job skills or to train for a different job. Workers’ compensation policies may provide this.
Death Benefits
Surviving family members of workers who pass away because of their workplace injury or illness may receive some type of death benefit through their loved one’s workers’ compensation insurance policy. Death benefits may include reasonable funeral and burial expenses and cash benefits.
What You Can Sue for in a Workers’ Compensation Claim
When filing a workers’ compensation claim, you can pursue economic damages. An example of economic damages would be medical bills or lost wages due to being unable to work. Pain and suffering can be pursued through a personal injury claim but not specifically through workers’ compensation.
How Much You Should Expect in a Workers’ Compensation Settlement
The only way to get an accurate estimate of how much you can expect to get in a workers’ compensation settlement is to have a lawyer review the evidence in your claim. Many factors go into settlements, so each case may vary significantly. Generally, the typical workers’ compensation settlement is anywhere from $2,000 to as much as $40,000.
Find Out How a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help You
A Hattiesburg workers’ compensation lawyer from our firm may be able to help you and your family receive a payout based on the facts of your case. While we handle the logistics of your claim, you can focus on recovering from your injuries and getting your life back to normal.
Let the Morris Bart law firm review your case and go to work building a case for an appeal if we believe you qualify. Call now to speak with a team member about your workers’ compensation benefits denial in a free, no-obligation consultation.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.